'73 FJ40 Drum to disc conversion

Submitted: Tuesday, Oct 21, 2003 at 17:17

ThreadID: 7982 Views:5308 Replies:5 FollowUps:4

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Brendon

I'm doing up an old FJ40 and considering a brake upgrade.
Option 1 - Fit a brake vacuum booster to existing FJ40 single line drum brake system.
Option 2 - Fit front disc with booster replacing front drums.

later model FJ40 discs seem to be a little hard to come by at a decent price. What options are around that I can explore without doing a major re-build?

What boosters will fit into the 40 without a heap of work? I am considering a remote booster, or maybe a 60 series with minor firewall mods.

I have no Toyota experience, but I am pretty good with mechanical stuff.

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Reply By: Mickl - Tuesday, Oct 21, 2003 at 19:40

Tuesday, Oct 21, 2003 at 19:40

I've been involved in a brake conversion on an old 78 Nissan Skyline coupe using late model R31 (1987) parts. My advice might be a bit limited but hopefully of some help.
We found it best to use parts from the same model (but later generation of course) as quite often bits just bolt straight in (or with only minor mods) In our case there was 10 years diff in models yet the complete front disc brake/ strut assembly bolted straight in with only minor mods (minor rework of spring seat).
We also found the best people to talk to are wrecking yard operators.. they are a wealth of information on what fits what...
Also if you use parts that "bolt in" and from the same manufacturer (ie Toyota bits) it is far easier to get it "engineered" and passed at rego. (in SA anyway) While on this point, make sure the car gets inspected and all the mods are approved. Failure to do so makes the car unroadworthy, and will void your insurance (better look into this too.. they hate mods.. good or bad). Also you'll get into deep bleep e with the law if you have an accident.
Go for the discs, drums don't even come close to the same performance and tend not to suffer from fade due to heat soak.

AnswerID: 34635

Follow Up By: Brendon - Tuesday, Oct 21, 2003 at 22:18

Tuesday, Oct 21, 2003 at 22:18

Thanks for the info. I agree sticking to Toyota stuff will be best. I am not sure if a 60 series setup will fit as well as a later model 40. And, I am wanting to know if there is a booster which is a simple fit.
I definitely want the car legal, and do intend to get it approved. thanks for the tip.

FollowupID: 25019

Reply By: ross - Tuesday, Oct 21, 2003 at 22:18

Tuesday, Oct 21, 2003 at 22:18

Try Outer limits 4x4 landcruiser forum .Its an Aussie site and the guys on there are into these kind of mods all the time.

AnswerID: 34654

Follow Up By: Brendon - Tuesday, Oct 21, 2003 at 22:31

Tuesday, Oct 21, 2003 at 22:31

Thanks

FollowupID: 25022

Reply By: Member - Toonfish - Wednesday, Oct 22, 2003 at 00:10

Wednesday, Oct 22, 2003 at 00:10

let us know how ya go brothe is looking at the same job.
cheers.

decuisine1@iprimus.com.au1999 NISSAN NAVARA DUALCAB
DIESEL 3.2 & SPRINGY CARLTON TOY
2 awestruck kids (dads driving!)

AnswerID: 34668